Stories about "Commencement"
‘A beautiful thing’: Stalwarts on the sidelines at Bates Commencement
Thursday, June 4, 2026 1:20 pm
For many, Commencement is a one-and-done visit. For others in the audience — local alumni, retirees, and Lewiston friends — it’s an annual touchstone, rich with memories, friendships, and purpose.
Q&A: Senior speaker Sebenele Lukhele embraces Bates’ promise of celebrating differences
Friday, May 29, 2026 3:02 pm
Sebenele Lukhele ’26 of Manzini, Eswatini, will deliver the Senior Address at the 160th Commencement on Sunday, May 31.
Take a seat: 2026 ivy stone highlights community gathering at Bates
Thursday, May 28, 2026 3:48 pm
For Mia Wetzel ’26 of Mashpee, Mass., the Adirondack chairs on Bates' Historic Quad evoke a feeling of community representative of her Bates experience. That’s why she chose to depict them in her design for this year’s ivy stone.
12 tips to shape your surroundings, and your life, from Bates Commencement speaker Angela Duckworth
Friday, May 30, 2025 3:18 pm
Watch Duckworth's Commencement address and check out these 12 tips for taking control of your phone — and your life.
Picture Story: Baccalaureate 2025, to love is to heal
Friday, May 30, 2025 10:44 am
For the 504 members of the Bates Class of 2025, Baccalaureate on May 24 was a time to show the love.
You can shape your situation before it shapes you, Bates grads told at 159th Commencement
Sunday, May 25, 2025 2:18 pm
Bates Commencement speaker Angela Duckworth, author of "Grit," told the seniors to embrace “situation modification” — change your physical environment, especially your phone's proximity, to protect your focus, relationships, and well-being.
Angela Duckworth, psychologist and author of the cultural phenomenon ‘Grit,’ to deliver 2025 Bates Commencement address
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 8:17 am
Duckworth's fellow honorary degree recipients at the May 25 Bates Commencement are trailblazing marriage equality attorney Mary Bonauto, award-winning documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson, and champion of public leadership and former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick.
From Iraq to Bates: ‘Sometimes, it’s the detours that lead us to our true destinies’
Friday, May 31, 2024 1:00 pm
From shelling in Iraq to the shelter of Bates, Mohammed Shwani '24 was able to find a public platform during Commencement Week to thank his parents and Bates for helping him achieve his dreams.
Try not to let the success treadmill ‘obscure the actual living of life,’ Bates seniors told at 158th Commencement
Sunday, May 26, 2024 2:32 pm
One of the nation’s foremost journalists, NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, offered three pieces of life advice to the Class of 2024: Be wary of when success becomes a non-stop treadmill, remember much of life depends on what we choose to see, and hold tight to those lifelong friendships forged at Bates.
Predictions (accurate and not), Catfacts, and photos from milestone Bates Commencements
Thursday, May 23, 2024 3:06 pm
As the Class of 2024 gets ready for Commencement on May 26, here's a look back at some milestone Commencements through the years.